Whether you're a beauty gal or not, if you're on social media chances are you've seen those wild compilations of Asian women removing their makeup to reveal a before-and-after result.
But they're not just using a face wipe to take off some full-coverage makeup — they're literally deconstructing their faces and removing everything from fake eyelashes and coloured contact lenses to prosthetic noses and face-slimming tape on their cheeks and jawlines.
Thanks to the new 'sculpture' makeup trend that has blown up in parts of Asia, people are now literally reconstructing their faces with makeup. And we can't look away.
Watch: Speaking of makeup, remember that time we tried the 10 layer foundation hack? What a time. Here's what happened. Post continues below.
The trend, which is said to originate in China, involves the use of professional makeup to not only highlight existing features but also create completely new ones.
According to the internet, special effects face wax like Ben Nye Nose and Scar Wax, $23, is commonly used to change and manipulate the shape of facial features — from creating higher cheekbones to a sculpted jawline and chin. It's all about that 'porcelain doll' look with ultra-luminous skin and impossibly delicate features.
After applying a special adhesive to the skin (so the formula has some grip), the wax is applied to the face and moulded into the preferred shape (usually with the help of water or Vaseline) and topped with liquid latex and makeup.
Most commonly, the face wax is used to mould noses into a completely different shapes — often a slimmer, pointer European or Western-shaped nose. The viral clips also show women stuffing their noses with lengths of fabric (either silk or medical gauze) to pack the nostrils and create a higher nose bridge. Essentially, it's like a temporary nose job.
And when it comes to removing everything at the end of the day — it looks... wild.
Just search 'Asian makeup removal' on TikTok and you'll find hundreds of influencers removing fake noses with scissors, cutting off chunks of fake skin and pulling off tape to reveal their real (and completely unrecognisable) faces underneath. It almost looks like some kind of theatrical Halloween makeup tutorial and it's mesmerising as hell.
Exhibit A:
You got to admit, the skills are just next level — it's a whole new level of creativity when it comes to makeup.
Like? C'mon!
And it's not just women, but men too:
Told you it was wild.
Comments on this viral compilation read, "I'm not going to lie I got scared on the first part when I thought she cut her nose off."
And honestly, same.
Other comments read: "Wait the nose stuffing, does it allow them breathe. Like how?".
@sophoradibs2020 #duet with @Amanda #viral But why? I don’t understand how it made the noses smaller by stuffing those long strings inside. The before and after, looked like two different person. #fypシ #makeup #transformation #tiktok #learnontiktok #asiangirl #beauty #asianbeauty #fyp #makeuphacks #makeuptransformation #beautyispain #asianmakeup #foryou ♬ たぶん - YOASOBI
As with any makeup trend, it's important to remember that beauty is very much a 'you do you' kind of space. So, each to their own. Whether you just enjoy watching these viral videos or have always been curious as to what Asian influencers are... peeling and cutting off their faces, there's just something so intriguing about these videos. It's crazy impressive.
Now, anyone else feel like they need to seriously up their makeup skills?
Have you seen these transformation videos before? What are your thoughts? Share with us in the comment section below.
Feature image: TikTok/@sophoradibs2020/@lusinefedorova.
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